Can I get California EDD unemployment if I was fired for being absent from work?

Ok that's a relief to hear. The adjudication thing scared me because the EDD website doesn't explain it well at all. Should I be gathering any documentation about my medical situation?

Yes absolutely. Get anything you have - doctor's notes, appointment records, any texts or emails where you told your supervisor about the medical issue. The more documentation you have showing the absences weren't just you blowing off work, the better your position will be.

this is really good info, my friend went through something similar and ended up getting approved because she had her doctor fill out a form

This makes me feel way better. They did send a questionnaire asking about why I was terminated. I already sent it back explaining the medical situation. Did I do that right?

Yes that's exactly right. The questionnaire is your opportunity to present your side before any decision is made. Just make sure everything you wrote was accurate and complete. If you forgot anything important you can try calling EDD to add information.

calling edd though lol good luck with that

I've been trying to call EDD every single day and can't get through. I'll check that out, thanks.

Does that actually work? I tried calling EDD this week and got the 'we cannot take your call' message every single time

Yeah it genuinely worked for me. The site is claimyr.com - I was skeptical too but I was desperate enough to try anything after two weeks of failed calls

Six weeks is terrifying to hear. Did you have to do anything specific to get them to move on it?

I kept filing my weekly certifications no matter what and I kept trying to call. Eventually got through by accident at like 7:58am when the lines opened and actually talked to someone who pushed my file along.

ugh 6 weeks with no income is brutal. I hope OP has some savings to get through this

I've been filing every week since I submitted the initial claim, is that right?

Yes exactly right, keep doing that

This is one of the most common and costly mistakes people make. Weekly certifications must continue throughout adjudication and appeals. Good catch.

I mentioned the no written warnings thing in my questionnaire. Hopefully that helps.

That's a legitimate factor EDD considers. If an employer fires someone without following their own disciplinary procedures, it can actually support the employee's claim that the termination was not for misconduct.

Common mix-up. Adjudication just means EDD is investigating and hasn't made a decision yet. It's the review process BEFORE a determination. An appeal is what you file AFTER you receive a denial notice if you disagree with it. Two completely different stages.

ohh ok that makes way more sense. so OP hasn't been denied yet they're just waiting for the review

Yeah exactly, still waiting. No denial letter has come. Just the status on UI Online showing adjudication in progress.

I do have some texts. I texted my supervisor several times about appointments and stuff. I didn't think to save them but they're still on my phone.

Screenshot all of them right now before anything happens to your phone. Seriously do it today.

Done. Good call, I wouldn't have thought of that on my own.

30 days from the mailing date, got it. I really hope it doesn't come to that but good to know.

the appeals process is stressful but it does work. had a friend win an appeal after being denied for 'misconduct' and the judge sided with him completely

Having documentation doesn't necessarily speed up the process timeline-wise - adjudication typically takes 3-8 weeks depending on EDD's backlog. But it dramatically improves your chances of getting approved when the determination is finally made.

ughhh 3-8 weeks. why does everything with EDD take so long

For anyone who really needs to reach EDD, I mentioned Claimyr earlier in the thread but worth repeating. claimyr.com was the only thing that actually connected me to a live agent after weeks of failed calls. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10 if you want to see how it works before trying it.

ok fine I'll try it because I'm losing my mind trying to get through to these people

the phone situation at EDD is genuinely one of the worst things about the whole process

That's interesting, I hadn't thought about it from that angle. It was more of an acute medical issue than ongoing disability but I'll keep it in mind.

Good point to raise, though for purposes of the EDD unemployment claim the focus should stay on showing the absences weren't willful misconduct. The legal accommodation angle is worth exploring separately with an employment attorney if needed.

Going on about 3 weeks now since I filed. UI Online just shows 'pending' with no other info.

3 weeks isn't too bad yet from what I've read. Some people wait way longer. Hopefully yours moves quick.

if it gets past 6 weeks with no movement that's when you might want to escalate, either through calling EDD or contacting your state assembly member's office - they have liaisons who can look into stalled claims

THIS. The whole system assumes you have a financial cushion to wait on. Most people filing for unemployment definitely do not.

Yeah that's exactly my situation. The financial pressure is what's making this so stressful, not even just the uncertainty of whether I'll get approved.

I hear you. One practical thing - if you have utilities, most California utility companies have hardship deferral programs. And if you have federal student loans, income-driven repayment plans can temporarily lower payments. Doesn't solve rent but might help with other bills while waiting on EDD.

Oh wow I actually moved recently. Let me check if I updated my address. I might not have done that.

Go update it right now in UI Online. You don't want a notice going to your old address and missing the response deadline.

Just updated it. Thank you for that, I really could have missed something important.

EDD's determination is based on the circumstances surrounding your most recent employer separation. Your attendance history at previous jobs isn't part of the misconduct analysis for your current claim.

ok good to know

I didn't realize that. So even if they approve me, the amount might be less than I expected?

Might be more or less, just depends on your earnings history. You can actually see an estimate in UI Online after you file. Check the claim details section.

mine was way less than I expected honestly. but something is better than nothing

I actually went and checked it out after your first mention. Going to try it this week because I really want to know if there's anything missing from my file.

being able to see what's in your file sounds super useful, most of us are just guessing what EDD has and hasn't received

Will do. I'm feeling a lot more hopeful after reading everyone's responses. At least I understand what's actually happening now and I know what to do while I wait. Thank you all seriously.

You've got this. Medical-related absences with documentation is one of the stronger positions to be in during an EDD adjudication. Keep filing those weekly certifications and don't lose hope.

rooting for you OP, the system is rough but people do get through it